Gallery One Board

Greg BeachI am part of the Gallery One board because it’s a vibrant place in the community and I love the people involved in the organization! The people that work here, the people on the board, and people who attend events at Gallery One. I’m married to artist Kathleen Beach, who is a painter and set designer. For 39 years I owned and operated the Valley Cafe’ in downtown Ellensburg. Now that I am retired, it is my goal to contribute to those things that make Ellensburg a great place to live – and Gallery One is one of those places. One of the things I love about Gallery One is the Kittitas County Juried Exhibition because it showcases the diverse talents of our community members.

Becky CraigMy husband and I moved to Ellensburg because it was equally inconvenient to our business interests, family, and friends—that is to say, it was not close to anything, but was centrally located. I think of myself as a creative, but not an artistic person. I greatly admire those with artistic talent and want to support them as much as a creative, non-artistic person can. I love that the Gallery is a hub of creativity in Ellensburg & Central Washington. I love the people who recognize the gallery’s contribution and contribute so much in return. I love the flexible and open space of the Gallery.

David CrossI was born in Ellensburg and a practicing pharmacist here since 1971. While attending CWU I became friends with the son of Gallery One’s founder, Eveleth Green. I enjoy cooking, especially chocolate and big food, and appreciate that the Gallery lets me try to perfect my own culinary art on patrons.

My all-time favorite exhibit at Gallery One was the glass sculpture installation by Sabrina Knowles and Jenny Pohlman. I loved the technical detail and the drama. In addition to liking the Gallery One’s physical space and the chance to see great art, I love the connectivity the Gallery gives to the community in so many ways. I think Gallery One is the heart of the local art community.

Patricia Cutright
Ken GirrardWe moved to Ellensburg from Brooklyn, New York in 2010 when Patricia accepted the position of Dean of Libraries at Central Washington University. In Brooklyn, I completed my Masters in Printmaking at the Pratt Institute, and Patricia worked as Director of Libraries. We joined the Gallery One Executive Board with a long history of experiences in the arts and music, having served on many boards and community organizations while living in eastern Oregon and in New York.

Bethany Davis

Mollie Edson

I came to Ellensburg as a college student and never left. I love my life here in Ellensburg, the weather (sunshine), the art, interesting people, great outdoors, proximity to Seattle and laid back lifestyle. I raised five happy kids who have all moved away, temporarily I hope; (no one can leave Ellensburg forever). I renovated a building in the historic downtown, run an art gallery and am the chair of the board of a community radio station (eburgradio.org).

I’ve been on the Gallery One Board of Trustees for a long time and have had the pleasure of watching it grow into an amazing community resource. Years ago our board president, Gary Severin, offered a lofty vision statement for Gallery One; “Gallery One will help Ellensburg become the ART center of the galaxy.” We’re still working on it!

Joe FranceI first lived in Ellensburg when I attended CWU in 1970-73. After a brief stint in Walla Walla I moved back to Ellensburg full time in ’74. Since then I have worked in retail for 4 different businesses including Gard Vintners most recently. I am in my 21st year on the board of Gallery One and still enjoy it. The board is strongly dedicated to what they and the gallery are doing for the community. We have a strong group of employees that have been with the Gallery for quite a while now who work seamlessly with each other and the board. I like that we have many varied programs for kids to adults that have filled needs developed when economic and political situations have made it hard for the arts and humanities to survive in our educational systems. I really like that Gallery One is viewed as a welcoming place for all to come and enjoy art, enjoy robust discussions (Pecha Kucha) and just enjoy each other (members events, President’s Dinner, First Fridays).

Elizabeth Frederick

Wendy HinckleAfter enjoying 31 years of teaching, I have limited my volunteerism to serving on the Board of Directors at Gallery One. It is made up of dynamic members, and we work well together. I serve on the membership committee and remember us setting a goal of 250 memberships years ago. Today we have over 500 members! There are many things I love about Gallery One. When I moved to Ellensburg in 1979, it provided a cultural anchor for me. I was able to meet interesting people and begin collecting art. I found a place to belong in a new community. Gallery One continues to expose me to new artists, fill my home with art and provide meaningful relationships with people of all ages. I love the opportunities for children and adults to explore art. Gallery One is a treasure.

Angela Johnson – Vice President

Sara Jones – PresidentFormerly from Tennessee, I have been an Ellensburg community member since 2007. I have been a practicing school psychologist since 2006 and work in this field at a nearby school district. As an advocate for the arts, I have been serving Gallery One as a board member since 2012. I believe that art enriches our lives and our communities by contributing to our intellectual development, our emotional well-being and our cultural awareness.

Gallery One provides art and cultural experiences to our community. I appreciate that it is a local gathering place for art and ideas. I often meet new people, get new ideas and, of course, experiment with being “creative” when in the gallery. I especially enjoy the Annual Membership Show that highlights the talent of artists in our local community.

Virginia MackEllensburg is my adopted home. I retired from the English Department at CWU after 25 years. Now, in addition to travelling, I spend time at Gallery One where I am on the membership committee. I believe that everyone should have access to the visual arts. Gallery One works hard to make that access possible. Although we’ve had stunning exhibits in the past year, I think the monthly children’s exhibits in the Picasso Gallery are my favorite. They are always creative and provide an excellent introduction to the gallery.

I love the fact that Gallery One is the center of so many activities for me and for many other people in the area. We have a beautiful building, a variety of activities for adults and children, exhibits that change monthly, a great gift shop, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Everyone is welcome.

Marty and Kathy MillerCWU brought us both to Ellensburg. After graduating, Marty started his now decade-long career as the business owner of Eastside Automotive. He and I met over thirty years ago when my Toyota needed a mechanics care.

The gallery has been a place we both have visited since the early 80’s. We especially appreciate the local artists displayed and the variety of art and programs throughout the year. We are humbled by the creativity and competence of the staff at Gallery One and happy to be a part of this amazing gallery.

Jim Pidduck

Julie PratherI am a stained glass artist and photographer and gallery supporter. My favorite exhibit is always the Kittitas County Juried Exhibition in August. I especially like seeing a large variety of work showing what all the local artists are up to. It means a lot to me that Gallery One shows and supports local and regional artists. I love that the gallery is a local meeting place (in my opinion, the best one) for people in the community that appreciate and support local art of all kinds. I love that Gallery One is helping and encouraging kids that love art and that we have such a great staff and board of directors who all work so well together to make the gallery successful.

Gary Severin

At age 10 Gary took a “learn to draw” course by mail and failed though he loves art and Gallery One. As one of its longest-standing board members, he often asks himself what he is doing in Ellensburg. One of his favorite exhibits was a 2013 show at Greg Kucera Gallery in Seattle of works by David Byrd, his first and only show at age 87 though he painted his entire life. He died two months later with a sell out show. How sweet is that.

Linda Sharpe

Ona SolbergAfter college I came to Ellensburg because I was unsuccessful finding a job anywhere else. I joined the Navy from here and after retirement I knew I wanted to move back since my brother and my parents lived here as well and I considered Ellensburg “home.” I love photography, camping, working in the garden and playing with our dogs.

Some of my favorite exhibits at Gallery One include “A is for Artist” with carved crayons by Diem Chau, “Are We There Yet?” with photography by Glenn Rudolph and our Annual Members’ Exhibition. It always amazes me to see how many of our members have such great talent. I love the diversity of art and the After School Kid’s programs that Gallery One offers the community. We provide so many opportunities for community participation through a variety of mediums. Classes like Sip & Paint or Sip & Spin allow people to try different things even if they don’t consider themselves an artist.

Patrick Stanton – TreasurerI have been a resident of Ellensburg since 1989 when I arrived to attend CWU, majoring in Economics, Accounting and Finance. After graduating I married Jodi Hoctor (of the Ellensburg Hoctors.) I’ve spent two decades serving on local and regional non-profits and social boards including the Ellensburg Chapter American Red Cross board, Secretary for the Ellensburg Masonic Lodge, the Grand Lodge of Washington F&AM Finance Committee, and Treasurer for Gallery One.

I have worked for a regional university for over 20 years where I am currently employed as Controller. As a resident artist at Gallery One I have won regional awards for my work, mostly as a jeweler, but I also dabble with Legos. My favorite color is Orange, I am a Sagittarian, my Wu Tang name is “Tha Specialist”, my CB handle is “Punchy Roller”. If I could be any animal I would be a three toed sloth, because they get to take lots of naps. Incidentally, I also own North America’s largest collection of Fisher Price Little People “Lucky” dogs.

Steve Williams – Secretary

Alicia WinbauerAs the owner of Ellensburg Travel, I enjoy helping clients plan their vacations all over the world. I moved to Ellensburg to attend CWU and never left. I have been a part of the Gallery One Board since 1998 and have appreciated being able to help Gallery One grow and flourish. I love the accessibility of Gallery One and how many people get to use and experience all that we have to offer like classes, exhibits, events and more. Cynthia Krieble’s show was one of my favorites. Much like impressionist painting, the whole of the picture is different depending on how close you are to it. I look forward to being a part of the next 20 years at Gallery One.